Close X
Friday, October 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadian Teenager Dies After Pearl Harbor Helicopter Crash

The Canadian Press, 23 Feb, 2016 10:09 AM
    HONOLULU — A 16-year-old passenger died Monday after being injured last week in a Pearl Harbor helicopter crash, hospital officials said.
     
    The teen and three family members visiting from Canada were aboard a tour helicopter when it crashed into the water near the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center on Thursday.
     
    Their names have not been released.
     
    Two family members remain hospitalized in stable condition. Another was treated and released.
     
    "So that the 16-year-old's memory lives on, the family has chosen to donate his organs to patients in need," Gidget Ruscetta, chief operating officer at Pali Momi Medical Center, said in a statement.
     
    No information was available for the pilot, who was taken to another hospital.
     
    Federal agencies are investigating the crash.
     
    The boy was trapped underwater and had to be cut free from his seat, according to witnesses.
     
    Federal records show the helicopter is registered to Jeffrey Gebhard of Kailua, Hawaii. The Navy said the helicopter reportedly belongs to Genesis Aviation. The website for Genesis Helicopters says it was founded by Gebhard and conducts tours over Oahu.
     
     
     
    A call to Gebhard was not answered on Monday. A man who answered at a number listed for him last week declined comment, citing the investigation.
     
    Civilian divers floated the helicopter to the surface Friday and a crane pulled it out. The Navy said the aircraft was taken to Genesis Aviation's hangar at the airport, where the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation.
     
    It was the second major crash this year involving helicopters on Oahu.
     
    Twelve Hawaii-based Marines were killed when two military helicopters crashed during nighttime training on Jan. 14. Both aircraft were CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters that were part of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463.
     
    Shawn Winrich, visiting from Madison, Wisconsin, was taking photos of Pearl Harbor when he saw the helicopter headed toward the popular tourist destination.
     
    He switched to video, recording the helicopter's dramatic drop into the water.
     
    "All of a sudden it essentially just fell out of the sky and crash-landed in the water," he said last week.
     
    He stopped filming and jumped in to help.
     
    The Honolulu Emergency Services Department took the teen to the hospital in critical condition.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Former Harper Aide Bruce Carson Found Not Guilty Of Influence-Peddling

    Former Harper Aide Bruce Carson Found Not Guilty Of Influence-Peddling
    Bruce Carson was charged in connection with his attempts to promote the sale of water purification systems for First Nations communities by a company that employed his former escort girlfriend.

    Former Harper Aide Bruce Carson Found Not Guilty Of Influence-Peddling

    Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall's Call To Suspend Refugee Plan 'Irresponsible:' Islamic Social Servic

    Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall's Call To Suspend Refugee Plan 'Irresponsible:' Islamic Social Servic
    Wall said he's worried that fast-tracking refugee claims could undermine the screening process and he urged the federal government to re-evaluate the deadline.

    Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall's Call To Suspend Refugee Plan 'Irresponsible:' Islamic Social Servic

    Justin Trudeau's Syrian Refugee Plans Is Raising Concerns Among Provinces

    Justin Trudeau's Syrian Refugee Plans Is Raising Concerns Among Provinces
    Surely we do not want to be date-driven or numbers-driven in an endeavour that may affect the safety of our citizens and the security of our country

    Justin Trudeau's Syrian Refugee Plans Is Raising Concerns Among Provinces

    CP Says Consolidation 'Inevitable'; Won't Confirm Talks With U.S. Railway

    CP Says Consolidation 'Inevitable'; Won't Confirm Talks With U.S. Railway
    Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. says industry consolidation in North America is inevitable, amid reports that it has approached a U.S. rival about a potential merger.

    CP Says Consolidation 'Inevitable'; Won't Confirm Talks With U.S. Railway

    No Time To Turn Away Syrian Refugees: Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger

    WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says now isn't the time to turn away thousands of Syrian refugees.

    No Time To Turn Away Syrian Refugees: Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger

    Alberta's Notley Ok With Accelerated Timeline For Accepting Syrian Refugees

    Alberta's Notley Ok With Accelerated Timeline For Accepting Syrian Refugees
    Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says her province stands ready and willing to take in Syrian refugees on whatever timeline the federal government deems suitable.

    Alberta's Notley Ok With Accelerated Timeline For Accepting Syrian Refugees